Birding For The People

Location: We'll meet at the Horsetail Falls Trailhead parking area
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Yy2K3CLqK79RRKq9
Leader: Devin

Overview
Join Devin for a special morning adventure into the Columbia River Gorge with the primary goal of searching for one of Oregon's most charismatic mountain mammals, the American Pika. We'll hike beyond Horsetail Falls toward the rocky talus slopes where these energetic little relatives of rabbits make their homes, listening for their distinctive squeaky calls and watching for them as they dart among the boulders collecting vegetation for their winter haypiles.
While pikas are our main target, the Gorge is also an outstanding place for birding. The forests, cliffs, waterfalls, and open rock faces support a wide variety of species, and August brings the first hints of fall migration. We'll keep our binoculars handy throughout the hike as we search for both birds and mammals in one of Oregon's most scenic landscapes.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking lot (can fill quickly on weekends)
• Restroom Access: None on site (1 mile west at Ainsworth State Park there are public restrooms)
• Pace: Slow / Sitting
• Distance: Approximately 0.5 mile (optional 1 mile round trip to see Ponytail Falls)
• Terrain: Paved trail near the falls transitions to dirt and rocky trail with moderate to high elevation gain. Some sections are uneven with stairs and exposed roots.

This walk is open to all experience levels, though participants should be comfortable hiking uphill on uneven terrain. We'll move at a slow pace and sit for extended periods looking for pika among the rocky hillside.

Habitat & What We'll see
Our route passes through lush Douglas-fir forest, moss-covered cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rocky talus slopes, each supporting its own unique wildlife. The higher rock fields provide ideal habitat for American Pika, while the surrounding forest and cliffs host an excellent diversity of birds.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• American Pika 🐹
• American Dipper
• Steller's Jay
• Chestnut-backed Chickadee
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Pacific Wren
• Varied Thrush (occasionally lingering into summer)
• Olive-sided Flycatcher
• Vaux's Swift
• Common Raven
• Peregrine Falcon
• Band-tailed Pigeon
• Townsend's Chipmunk

We'll also be watching and listening for soaring raptors, mixed flocks of chickadees and nuthatches, and the unmistakable high-pitched calls of pikas echoing from the talus slopes. With a bit of patience, and some luck, we may even observe a pika carrying a mouthful of vegetation back to its rocky home.

What to Bring

• Binoculars
• Plenty of water
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Layers for cooler Gorge temperatures
• Sun protection
• Bug repellent if you’d like

Location: We’ll meet at the covered pavilion at the parking lot next to the restrooms.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rq7TTa5JP4AFFCV87
Leader: Kim

Overview
Join us for a summer morning bird walk at Smith & Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, one of the largest protected urban wetlands in the United States. Led by Kim, this walk will take us through a diverse landscape of seasonal wetlands, ponds, cottonwood forests, and riparian habitat that supports an incredible variety of birdlife throughout the year.
Early August is an exciting time to visit as many resident birds are still active with recently fledged young, while the first hints of southbound migration begin to appear. Shorebirds may begin showing up on exposed mudflats, swallows gather in impressive flocks, and raptors are often seen soaring overhead. We'll take our time exploring the trails and viewpoints, stopping often for bird identification, photography, and conversation.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking Lot (Plentiful)
• Restroom Access: Vault Toilets
• Pace: Easy
• Distance: Approximately 2 miles
• Terrain: Mostly flat asphalt with some bumps, no elevation gain

The roads and trails are generally wide and level, though some sections may be uneven or dusty depending on recent conditions. Please remain on designated roads and trails and respect any seasonal closures protecting nesting wildlife.
This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially well suited for beginners. We'll move at an easy pace with frequent stops for viewing, photography, and identification.

Habitat & What We'll see
Smith & Bybee offers excellent opportunities to observe wetland birds, woodland species, swallows, raptors, and a variety of waterfowl. Depending on water levels and recent migration activity, every visit brings something different.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• Wood Duck
• Great Blue Heron
• Osprey
• Bald Eagle
• Green Heron
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Marsh Wren
• Willow Flycatcher
• Red-winged Blackbird
• Cedar Waxwing
• Purple Martin
• Tree, Barn, and Violet-green Swallows

We'll also keep an eye out for early migrant shorebirds, Belted Kingfishers along the sloughs, and with a little luck, perhaps a Virginia Rail calling from the marsh vegetation.

What to Bring

• Binoculars or a spotting scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bug repellent if you’d like

Location: We’ll meet at the South parking lot near Sellwood Park
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BhSU3Exx19qKUKx26
Leader: Emma

Overview
Join Emma for a late summer morning bird walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, one of Portland's premier urban birding destinations. Stretching along the east bank of the Willamette River, Oaks Bottom offers an outstanding blend of marsh, open water, riparian woodland, and oak savanna, providing excellent birding opportunities throughout the year.
By mid-August, fall migration is beginning to pick up. Local breeding birds are still abundant while the first waves of migrating warblers, flycatchers, and shorebirds begin passing through the refuge. The changing season means every walk offers something new, making Oaks Bottom an exciting place to explore for birders of all experience levels.

Accessibility & What to Expect

• Parking: Parking Lot (Plentiful)
• Restroom Access: Yes (Sellwood Park)
• Pace: Easy
• Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles
• Terrain: The trail begins and ends at a 1/8th mile hill considered “Moderately Easy” but may be difficult for those with mobility concerns. The rest of the trail is mostly flat packed gravel trails with a few areas of slight elevation gain.

This walk is open to birders of all experience levels and is especially beginner friendly. We'll move at an easy pace with frequent stops for bird identification, photography, and discussion.

Habitat & What We’ll See
As migration begins, Oaks Bottom becomes increasingly active with both resident birds and early southbound migrants. We'll explore wetland edges, forest trails, and open viewpoints while searching for a variety of species taking advantage of the refuge's diverse habitats.
Some of the species we'll be looking for include:

• Wood Duck
• Great Blue Heron
• Green Heron
• Belted Kingfisher
• Osprey
• Cedar Waxwing
• Willow Flycatcher
• Black-headed Grosbeak
• Yellow Warbler
• Wilson's Warbler
• American Goldfinch
• Barn, Tree, and Violet-green Swallows

We'll also keep an eye on the marsh for Virginia Rail or Sora, and watch the tree canopy for migrating songbirds making their first southbound journey of the season.

What to Bring

• Binoculars or a spotting scope (if you have them)
• Water
• Sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bug repellent if you’d like